CincyTech’s Entrepreneur Signature Program (ESP) is a relatively recent addition to our landscape and is already having a significant impact on start-up company activity.

The program offers assistance to high growth potential, technology based companies. Its resources and services include entrepreneurs in residence who can assist in market opportunity assessment and development of a viable business plan, a $10.5 million seed fund to invest in the best opportunities, targeted networking opportunities; and at the earliest stage of development, Imagining Grants for up to $40,000 to conduct work necessary to prove either the technical or business case for the opportunity. Through the ESP, funded by Ohio’s Third Frontier, CincyTech is working hand-in-hand with BioStart, Hamilton County Business Center and the Circuit/Queen City Angels to provide an integrated infrastructure to supply what companies need when they need it.

Is it working? Here are a couple of examples of companies on the move and poised to succeed because of the resources and assistance provided:

• Akebia Therapeutics, a company focused on ischemia and vascular biology drug development, initially targeting anemia and peripheral artery disease.
• AssureRx, a personalized and predictive medicine company providing clinically relevant information to help physicians predict the right drug in the right dose for individual patients.
• iStatus, an e-commerce solution allowing small businesses to operate multiple unique storefronts from one administrative console.
• ThinkVine, which offers strategic marketing solutions with expertise in marketing science and division support software.
• ZipScene, a social network aggregating entertainment information for local communities.

Stay tuned for more examples of success in the coming months. One of them could be yours.